Tres Hombres
$255.00

In Stock

In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!

Got stuff to pack down tight?

With this bag it's a cinch.

The Tres Hombres is a carry-on legal, convertible-hybrid, backpack-duffel style bag that is the next great evolution in our line of Expedition Series bags. With airlines tightening up restrictions on carry-on baggage, the Tres Hombres twin external compression straps can help you "squeeze under" the new regulations.

BULKY ITEMS?
No problem. This carry-on bag borrowed a feature from our checked travel expedition bags: twin exterior cinch-down compression straps. Watch the packing video at left in the Video tab with Professional Travel Guide Kasey Austin as she demonstrates packing some very bulky items.

THREE EXTRA LONG COMPARTMENTS.
The Tres Hombres has a unique three compartment system. It's carry-on legal (linear length) bag with three long compartments. There's the main compartment in the middle with more than enough room for your clothes. This compartment features a "break-over" across the top zipper configuration that also allows you to unzip the bag down the sides givng you wide open access to the compartment. The twin raised side compartments give you the option of storing your dress shoes, running shoes or heels--you can even fit your SCUBA flippers in the 20 inch long compartments. Tucked into the raised side compartments you have twin flat side panel zippered pockets for smaller items.

COMPRESSION STRAPS.
Twin exterior built-in compression straps help pack down your gear down tight (especially great if you plan on bringing home more than what you came with). It also has handy grab loops for pulling out of overhead bins or getting on or off vehicle roof racks, a padded bottom covered with our tough 1050 weight Ballistic CORDURA® nylon for extra protection and service life, and of course, the store-able retractable backpack straps for comfortable hands-free shoulder carry.

Wondering what to do with those "flopping" straps when your bag is open? Simply click them together through the loop carry handles on the ends and they'll be out of your way.

COUNTLESS WAYS TO CARRY.
Carry it over your shoulder or cross body using The Claw shoulder strap, or hands-free on your back with the backpack straps, this is one versatile hybrid bag. Here are some variations the Tres Hombres offers in carry travel:

By hand like a suitcase, using the top handles.

In front of you by both end loop handles using both hands.

To your side hanging down with one end loop handle.

Over one shoulder with one end loop handle.

Wear it on your back like a backpack using the retractable backpack straps.

BUILT LIKE A TANK.
Our customers like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around carry-on bags that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, still the comparison is valid. For a legal carry-on bag, the Tres Hombres is built tough. Starting with one of the most durable textile materials available, 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand Nylon, we use super strong UV resistant thread that's stitched into every seam.

BOUND AND BAGGED
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound; that is, we take a long piece of one inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together, this creates a strong seam, or binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, or gives it a clean finished look if on the outside of the bag. In addition, each exposed fabric edge, such as on a pocket flap, is also bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive a thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to wear will have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors carry-on bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the bag, is double box stitched - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red Oxx; a stitching practice we adapted from our time as parachute riggers.

MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest zipper we can afford, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they are easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings; they function smoothly in inclement weather and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated.

PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of plastic hardware break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground, having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a little more, or might make a little noise, is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace of mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your bag break down?

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
***** "This is the bag for the traveling engineer or line worker, with plenty of room for the safety gear, heavy duty clothing and more, plus all three carry options, handle, backpack or strap." ~ Steve, South Carolina

The Tres Hombres, a new carry-on convertible bag that's a "cinch" to pack.

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY.
Due to high demand, we encourage you to place your order now to get your Tres Hombres carry-on bag on our production schedule. It will then be shipped in under 14 days. Like retirement, it's worth the wait.

Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond 14 working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our quartly email newsletter. Your email address is always secure.

Tres Hombres Trivia: We called it the "Tres" due to it's three main compartments and "Hombres" because CEO Jim Markel tested it out in during a trip to Guatemala, where he was the resident "hombres". Want to learn more about this unique bag? Check out the full history of the bag here.

Email Address*Used only to match review back to your purchase or follow-up about your review.

Comment

4.91 Average Rating

(11 Reviews)

This bag is a beast!

By John, Elmira, NY, December 4, 2014

I saw a review of the best traveling bags on Deadspin of the Air Boss. I was intrigued because I was looking for something new so I started going thru all of the different bags and found the Tres Hombres. It was bigger than the rest and it hides my C-PAP machine easily along with any and all things that I need to travel with. My father liked it so much he purchased one of the other bags as well. It is just made like a tank and can carry whatever you need to fit in it. The kids love it too because it can fit ALL of their stuff too.

South America and back

By Todd Bailey, Arizona, November 13, 2014

I spent 8 days in South America. This and my RockHopper was all I took and needed. This bag with packing cubes allowed me not only to get 8 days worth with ease, but all the crap I brought back too. Well built, expedition grade. This bag is a rock star.

The Traveler’s SUV

By korova, Varosha, August 25, 2014

I picked up my first Red Oxx bag, a Tres Hombres in Saffron, a few months ago. This thing is like a human-powered SUV! There’s lots of unobstructed, easily accessible space for hauling as much stuff as your arms or back can handle.

You can read plenty about all the great features of the Tres Hombres elsewhere on this page. But while I would gladly buy the Tres Hombres again, there are a few things prospective buyers should keep in mind:

*The Tres Hombres weighs a lot more than similarly sized, almost-as-burly duffels. If you are counting ounces, you will give up a pound or more just to the empty bag.

*If you’re the sort who likes to go in and out of your bags a lot, the compression straps can be a bit of a pain. When they’re fastened, they obstruct access to the main compartment. When they’re unfastened, they flop around underneath the bag.

*The backpack straps are made from a soft material that is similar to suede or corduroy. I think nylon would have been a better and more durable choice. While the “suede” feels nice, it is a lint and dirt magnet and probably will end up being less abrasion resistant than nylon. It also is a lot less water resistant than nylon.

*A sternum strap is included but doesn’t work that well because it is not permanently attached to the backpack straps. It slides around a lot and easily moves out of position. It’s also easy to lose or misplace.

None of these are showstoppers to my mind, though, because the Tres Hombres wasn’t designed to be a trekking or expedition bag. I use it for air travel, both carry-on and checked, and (since I don’t own a car) for hauling bulky or awkwardly shaped items around the city I live in. The bag serves both purposes very well. I particularly like how well-balanced it is when carried by the main handle and how the sides and pockets collapse in on themselves, reducing the bulk of the bag, when they’re not fully loaded.

Bottom line: the Tres Hombres is a well-made and nicely designed duffel bag. I wish that the backpack straps were made from a different fabric and that the sternum strap didn’t seem like an afterthought…but these are just quibbles and don’t take much away from what is an awesome bag in all other respects. Four stars.

Everything thats required

By Doug, Timmins Ontario, April 11, 2014

The bag is built to last and has great features. Loaded up though the back back straps can be slightly uncomforatable. Still believe it deserves 5 stars due to the size, quality and design. Highly recommend to those requiring a large carry on.

All you need. done.

By Stephen in LA, Los Angeles, March 28, 2014

This is my second Red Oxx bag and I continue to be a huge fan! The Tres Hombres is my new favorite because it really fits the maximum amount you can possibly fit and carry-on. I can't imagine there is any other bag that can fit as much in a carry on space and do it so ruggedly and with an independent tough style and spirit. The quality is quite remarkable, at any price, and at Red Oxx prices it's an incredible value.

I took my on a journey through Australia. Was never questioned on by airlines on size, but was ready to use those compression straps with confidence if needed. Because you can wear this effortlessly on your back (and it's very comfortable and balanced) I found no one questioned the size of my bag period. In fact, it was like, they would not dare...I was too cool and in control with my sporty Red Oxx, even though it was stuffed to the max at times. After I arrived in Sydney, I had the chance to take a few day trips and used the Red Oxx for that as well.

It's remarkable functional for 2 days or 10. I can't believe I ever owned a bag with wheels or flimsy zippers. This bag just makes everything else seem ridiculous and corporate. If you are reading this...all the way to the end...you deserve to feel what's it's like to own a Red Oxx! Kudos to the designers and whole team and Red Oxx! thank you!!!!

Just what I needed!

By Anonymous, Michigan, USA, March 20, 2014

This is just what I was looking for, nice bad for weekend trips or short business trips.

Tres Hombres is worth price.

By Harry, Nebraska, November 7, 2013

Tough and well constructed. "BUT" the two belly straps need to be in a hide away compartment like the back pack straps when not needed. The straps were always in the way when not needed. They were great on plane. Ideal bag for Air travel.

Tres Hombres - A great bag

By Gerry, Blue Springs, MO, September 15, 2013

The Tres Hombres is a great travel bag. I just received my bag in black several weeks ago and it was worth the wait. I was impressed with its looks and functionality. I really like the backpack straps as they leave my hands free to carry other gear. So far just a short weekend car trip, but the bag handled well. Looking forward to carrying it on the plane during a trip to Dallas in November.

A Cavernous Bag that still carries on

By AdventureGumby, Oak Park, CA, August 29, 2013

As a long-time fan and user of Red Oxx bags, I was among the first to order the Tres Hombres bag when it announced.

As with all my other Red Oxx bags, this one is built to last a lifetime and then some. Quality is never an issue with Red Oxx, that's for sure, but what about using the bag?

Almost immediately after receiving the Tres Hombres, I took a week-long "working vacation" in Southport, NC. I packed the Tres Hombres to the gills, and carried it onto my plane, along with my Red Oxx C-Ruck backpack. (We were not going to have our bags go missing and mess up this trip, so it was critical we could carry everything on board with us.)

The Tres Hombres has a built-in pair of compression straps which I used in a criss-cross manner to cinch down the very stuffed bag. Not only did it look a little more stealth, perhaps just carry-on legal as the airline staff eyed me at the gate and as I boarded the plane, but it also JUST FIT inside the overhead compartment. Yippee!

The pull-strap on the end was particularly useful for getting the bag out of its tight fit in the overhead compartment when we landed, and then I used the same strap to hold the bag in place as I perched it atop my wife's wheeled carry-on as we traversed a few very large airports. When carrying the bag in my hand, I usually also used the pull-strap on the end, as this allows holding the heavy bag as close as possible to my body, which is a better posture. As I was also using a C-Ruck and wore that on my back, I did not use the backpack straps on the Tres Hombres, but I am sure I'll put them to good use in the future.

As for packing, it's voluminous! My wife was able to put three pair of women's size 7 shoes standing up in one of the side pockets. That's some efficient use of space! Inside the main compartment, which is just voluminous, we packed all kinds of clothing, more shoes, and my Tri-Fold Shave Kit.

Future trips will include stuffing the Tres Hombres with all my scuba gear and I'll also use it when I have to transport a very large desktop printer to some remote work sites.

Thanks to Jim and the whole Red Oxx team for this awesome new addition to the line-up!

Extra Capacity for the Safety Gear

By Steve, Greenville, SC, August 10, 2013

I am a field engineer traveling through the major hubs which means I am on small aircraft with limited overhead space for at least one leg and everyone with a carry-on has to gate check their rolling bags. I usually have to carry a helmet, harness, tools and heavy boots which won’t fit in an Air Boss and is in a checked bag. Many times my connections are very short and I have been bumped off and missed flights when the arrival is late and I have a checked bag or have to wait 10 minutes to get my gate checked rolling bag. So after being bumped for the 6th time in as many months I thought to myself, “Hmm I’m not going to let this happen again if I can help it”.

My Airboss is great and it allows me to grab and go without waiting for a gate checked bag (up to 10 minutes), but it is not large enough for the helmet and boots. So I went on line and researched my options. I looked at Bihn, toughbags, Ricksteves and others, but there wasn’t really anything that grabbed me. Then back to a RedOxx where I finally stumbled on the Tres Hombres. Wow nearly 30% larger than the Airboss, long pockets, capable of heavy loads and still meets the carry on rules, I think I can make this work. So I purchased the Tres Hombres in Burgundy and it showed up a few days later. The RedOxx site does not do it justice; This is the bag for the traveling engineer or line worker, with plenty of room for the safety gear, heavy duty clothing and more, plus all three carry options, handle, backpack or strap.

I placed the two bags next to each other for reference and the Airboss is taller and skinnier, but the Tres Hombres is wider and shorter, so it goes in the overhead upright. I read a review and it also fits under the seat! With this bag and some packing cubes I am able to pack this and fit everything except for my computer and fit it into the smallest overhead bin. So I carry my computer in a small backpack under the seat and everything else in the Tres Hombres over my shoulder. Bundle packing it with the safety gear (Helmet, boots and harness) and four days of heavy carhartt clothing, workout shoes and bands plus electronics and tools it weighs in at 35 lbs and I still have one side pocket unfilled.

I took it on two trips for this story. The first trip was a week across the country to Portland Oregon, through Atlanta. The first leg was a CRJ-200, with very small overhead bin space. I slipped the Tres Hombres in and tucked the straps underneath in less than 5 seconds. Another flyer said what kind of bag is that? Upon arrival in Atlanta, I only had less than 30 minutes to catch the plane three terminals away. I grabbed the bag, slid it out and flipped it on my back and I was out a there! The flight attendant commented that the bag was impressive! I walked without really rushing and took the subway and right onto the next plane to Portland in under 15 minutes. (This is nice)! The bag fits on the larger bins with room for my computer backpack on top of it. If I had to wait the 10 minutes for a gate checked bag, this would have been a missed flight.

The second trip was to Kansas through Chicago on small EMB-145 jets. As before the 3 dudes slid right into place and formed to the overhead bin. The flight attendant thought that she would have to gate check it and followed me with a tag, when I slid it in so easily, she remarked “unbelievable!” Typically when loading the plane the gate person will hand you a gate check tag, but with this on my back, I have not been questioned once. The second leg was an hour wait, so I was not as rushed. I let everyone off the plane and take my time, sliding the bag from the bin to my shoulder in one movement. The flight attendant remarks “that is really slick”. I walked through a gauntlet of people waiting in line for their gate checked bags, smiling all the way. The second leg is the same aircraft and the results are the same, with a few second looks and some amazed passengers and attendants at what 3 dudes can do. On the way back I was allowed on the aircraft sooner because I did not have a rolling bag. I hear this is the wave of the future to give passengers with less overhead bags priority!

I am really pleased with this new bag and travel style and I am given priority boarding too. Use the AirBoss for the business meeting travel carrying over the shoulder and use the Tres Hombres over the back for the heavy work travel. I should be able to reduce the missed flights by more than half and have extra room when needed to bring even more back.

The Tres Hombres is my favorite bag. I prefer the backpack style to the one strap but both are comfortable enough for a 52 year old in decent shape. If you are traveling with a lot of workwear, tools and safety gear, this is the bag for you. I think that the Tres Hombres bag needs to be higher on the list at RedOxx. I would also like to see side by side comparison pictures (as provided) of the bags to help me make a better decision. I sort of had to go by instinct and measurements, a side by side comparison would have made my decision easier and more comfortable.

I sweated that the bag would work and did not really know until it arrived. I like everything about the bag, the full length side pockets, the large central section, the outside pockets, the backpack system; everything worked as planned. Maybe some internal compression straps in the central compartment? The outer compression straps worked great too. I have ordered up 5 Lil Roy’s for tough packing cubes, tools and electrical equipment for my two RedOxx bags. The RedOxx Airboss and Tres Hombres gives me the one-two punch to take on all my travel needs and reduce travel pressure and missed flights.

----------Red Oxx Replies: Wow, that is some thorough review, thanks! Check out the article "Three Kings of Carry-on, Which Bag for You?" a customer wrote comparing the Air Boss, Sky Train and Tres Hombres.

Great Bag

By Charles Rogers, Jackson, MI, June 20, 2013

I bought the Tres Hombres at SCI 2013, where it was offered as one of several "in consideration" products. I've already used it several times, and it's a great bag. I found that I can pack much more into it than I can the PR5 or Flying Boxcar because of the compression straps. Even better, I did not even realize that it has stow-away back pack straps until I actually saw the product on redoxx.com - this will make a great bag even better than I had realized!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the backpack straps located?
The retractable backpack straps are located in a hidden pocket on the bottom of the bag.

What are the Metal Rings for?
To attach the backpack straps on their clip-on snap hook end.

How many days of travel will fit in the Tres Hombres?
This is an carry-on sized bag. Going somewhere for a week? This is your bag. Properly packed, one could live out of a Tres Hombres for a week.

What's the average weight when full?
Depends what you pack in it. Adding boots or shoes to your clothes could weigh up to 50 pounds, putting it at the carry-on limit.

Does it come with a waist belt?
Since the Tres Hombres is a frameless soft sided bag, a waist belt would not work.

How do the external compression straps work?
They encompass the bag's exterior helping to keep your gear in place through, you guessed it, compression.

Can you tell me what a "break over zipper configuration" is?
The zipper zips across the top and down the sides. This makes access to the main compartment easier.

What's the difference between the Tres Hombres, Air Boss and the Sky Train?
The Tres Hombres is a large capacity carry-on bag equipped with one long primary compartment and two long side compartments and is compressed with straps on the outside of the bag as opposed to the Air Boss which has a large center compartment and two side compartments with compression straps on the inside compartment and the Sky Train which has two main compartments, only one of which has interior compression straps. To learn more about the differences between these bags, read the Three Kings of Carry-on – Which Bag for You? gear review written by a Steve Olson, a devoted Red Oxx fan.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Will a sleeping bag fit inside the Tres Hombres?
Absolutely, it will fit a standard Sleeping Bag.

Are there any interior pockets?
The Tres Hombres has only one large main compartment and two exterior raised pockets.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Will a laptop fit in the Tres Hombres?
Sure, though you will want to slip it into a neoprene sleeve and place the laptop in the bottom of the main compartment. While the padding in the base of the bag will protect your computer, be aware it will shift around unless your compartment is tightly packed.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.